Chapter 2 Summary

Holden goes into Mr. Spencer's room. He thinks the room is depressing. Mr. Spencer's pills and his old bathrobe especially repel him. Holden tells Mr. Spencer he has come to say goodbye. The old man asks Holden to sit down. Mr. Spencer then asks what the headmaster, Dr. Thurman, said to Holden. Holden recounts how Dr. Thurman told him that life was a game and that it should be played by the rules. Mr. Spencer agrees with Dr. Thurman, but Holden is not convinced by the logic. Holden tells Mr. Spencer that his parents don't know that he has been expelled. He says they will be very angry because this is the fourth school he has attended.

Holden thinks about how he often behaves as if he is thirteen. Mr. Spencer says Holden's parents are very nice. Holden agrees. Mr. Spencer starts to question Holden about his...